Kalhedi Railway Crossing Closure: 48-Hour Shutdown Disrupts Najibabad Traffic from March 22

Najibabad, Uttar Pradesh – In a major disruption for local commuters, the Kalhedi railway crossing (Gate No. 485/A) on the Najibabad-Fazlpur route will remain closed for road traffic from 8 AM on March 22 to 8 PM on March 24, 2026. This 48-hour shutdown stems from essential railway track maintenance, prompting authorities to divert all vehicles via the Kalhedi Canal alternative route. The move has sparked concerns among residents and businesses already grappling with economic pressures.

Why the Closure? Detailed Breakdown of Maintenance Work

The closure is mandated by Northern Railway’s Moradabad Division for critical upkeep on the rail path. Senior Section Engineer Mohammad Anees confirmed that teams will replace sleepers, conduct full overhauling, and resurface the road at the crossing. “These urgent repairs ensure safer and faster train operations,” Anees stated, noting that post-maintenance, trains on this route could achieve higher speeds without interruptions.

Northern Railway has coordinated with local SDM Shailendra Kumar Singh, urging traffic police to enforce diversions smoothly. Vehicles heading through Kalhedi Road must reroute via Kalhedi Canal to avoid congestion. Signage and barricades will guide drivers, but authorities warn of potential delays during peak hours. This isn’t the first such shutdown in Bijnor district—similar works have caused headaches in the past, highlighting the need for permanent infrastructure upgrades.

Local Voices: Commuters and Businesses React

Haji Kamal, a prominent brush trader in Najibabad, expressed frustration over compounding issues. “The new overbridge at Pur Garhi Road will finally ease traffic from 15-something, allowing faster movement. But until then, these closures hit hard,” he said. Fellow brush businessman Ankush Jain echoed the pain: “GST rates are already sky-high with no facilities, and now raw material costs have spiked due to the Gulf War-like supply shocks. Orders are drying up—traders fear placing them amid soaring prices.”

These quotes capture the ripple effects on Najibabad’s economy, where even routine rail works amplify daily struggles.

Broader Context: Railway Upgrades and Brush Industry Struggles

Najibabad, a bustling town in Bijnor district, relies heavily on the Najibabad-Fazlpur rail corridor for freight and passenger traffic. The Kalhedi crossing handles thousands of vehicles daily, connecting key markets and residential areas. The upcoming Pur Garhi overbridge promises relief, enabling smoother traffic flow and higher train speeds. However, delays in such projects leave gates like Kalhedi vulnerable to frequent closures.

Parallelly, the town’s brush manufacturing sector—once a thriving hub—is reeling. High GST slabs, lack of modern facilities, and sudden raw material price hikes (exacerbated by global events reminiscent of the Gulf War) have crippled operations. “It’s like pouring ghee on fire,” one trader lamented, as production costs soar and buyers hesitate. With over 100 small units affected, calls grow for government intervention to revive this traditional industry amid Uttar Pradesh’s push for MSME growth.

This closure aligns with Northern Railway’s 2026 maintenance calendar, prioritizing safety after recent derailment scares across Moradabad Division. Historically, Bijnor has seen similar disruptions, like the 2025 Kotdwar gate repairs that paralyzed traffic for 36 hours.

What’s Next: Plan Ahead and Stay Updated

Commuters are advised to use the Kalhedi Canal detour strictly from March 22 morning. Northern Railway and SDM’s office promise minimal inconvenience, with extra patrols to manage flow. The gate reopens at 8 PM on March 24, but check local updates for extensions.

For Najibabad’s brush traders, relief may come via the Pur Garhi overbridge rollout soon. Meanwhile, industry leaders urge policymakers for GST relief and subsidies. As repairs wrap up, expect smoother rail services boosting local logistics. Stay safe on roads—plan alternate routes via Google Maps or local apps. Northern Railway helpline: 139 for real-time alerts.

For more in depth click here